Oyetola: Apapa, Tincan ports collapsing, urgent rehabilitation needed

The federal government says it will be engaging terminal operators for the rehabilitation of Apapa, Tincan ports, and others.

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, spoke on Monday during a familiarisation visit to the ports.

The tour was led by Muhammed Bello-Koko, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and his management team.

Some of the terminals visited are the AP Muller Terminal, ENL, Dangote, Greenville Development Nigeria Limited, ABTL, NPA Dockyard, Josephdam, Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited, Port & Terminal Multipurpose Limited, among others.

During the visit, Oyetola said he was deeply concerned about the deplorable condition of infrastructure at the ports.

He expressed the need for the reconstruction of the “almost collapsing” ports.

“The port is almost collapsing, a major rehabilitation has to be carried out, and that is perhaps the major thing,” the minister said.

“I am looking forward to a situation whereby the terminal managers would be willing to contribute towards the rehabilitation of the ports, it is important. If you do that, you are going to make more money.

“There is, therefore, an urgent need to commence infrastructure renewal of ports across the country so as to save them from imminent collapse. As a ministry, we shall prioritise improvement in facilities at our ports.”

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Bello-Koko said the agency would need up to $800 million for the reconstruction of major seaports in the country.

Bello-Koko had also said the money would either come as a loan or the NPA would fund the rehabilitation project, which would lead to a reduction in its contribution to the consolidated revenue fund (CRF).

He added that if the $800 million comes as a loan facility, it will be repayable in seven years.

The NPA managing director said the rehabilitation would help in achieving the digitalisation of all four major ports in Nigeria.